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First of all, if you are following your surgeon's instructions, you are doing nothing wrong. Something I've found eye-opening about this forum is that different programs can vary quite a bit in pre- and post-surgery meal plans, so just because yours is different than someone else's doesn't mean it's wrong! Second, if you feel comfortable entering some info about yourself in your profile, it would be helpful for context, because a lot of things depend on your starting weight and BMI, your current weight and BMI, and how long ago your surgery was. A lot of people who start at the low end (BMI <40) are disappointed in their weight loss because they compare themselves with people who started with a BMI over 60, but the higher your weight, the faster you can lose it. Also, if you are a tall man, your calorie needs will be higher in general than for a petite woman. I am 5.5 months out from gastric bypass and I typically eat 500-600 calories per day. The nutritionist for my program told me at my 6-week followup to increase my calories to 800-1000 per day, and although I have followed all other instructions of my program very carefully, this is something I have not done, partly because I don't think that I could. My program says to eat three meals per day and avoid snacks other than protein drinks. I'm also supposed to get at least 60 grams of protein per day (and sometimes I fall short of that). Eating three small meals per day that are focused on protein, I would have a hard time getting 800 calories in a day. I feel that it is important for me to avoid snacking because I don't want to fall back into the old habits that got me to 341 pounds. I have had two additional followups with my surgeon, and he says that I'm doing great and to keep on doing what I'm doing. I just got my 6-month bloodwork (I did it a little early) and everything is great, so I feel confident that this is working for me. But you are a different person, and you should listen to your surgeon for what will work for you. The caveat to that is that a lot of surgeons seem to have a one-size-fits-all approach, which I think is what happened with me. I'm a 5'3" woman, and I suspect the nutritionist gave me the same advice as she would give a 6'3" man. Here are some examples from my food diary from the last few weeks (these are not consecutive days -- I tried to pick days with a variety of foods because I tend to eat the same things over and over). Ignore the weird order of meals; I was working night shift for a couple of these, so the timing of my meals was different.

Wow!! You are creative!! I seem to remember a recipe for a cabbage soup for weight loss years ago, and that was what you had at least 2 meals a day and then a regular meal for dinner. But that was a long time ago. But that sounds great!! But I’m still working on my pork & sauerkraut from yesterday!😂😍

I think a lot of people's perceptions of WLS are influenced by shows like "My 600 lb Life". Those people lose a TON of weight at first, but you have to keep in mind that they are starting out at a MUCH higher BMI than the average WLS patient. And starting BMI is a major factor in your rate of weight loss (esp during the first few months). Although I have no hardcore research study to back this up, I've been hanging out on these sites for the last six years, and based on my observations, it seems most of us lose in the 15-25 lb range that first month (and it slows down after that). Of course, you will always find people who are above or below that, but I would say most of us fall somewhere in that range. So your loss so far is actually quite normal...

Apologize in advance...this is long! LOL, after typing it all out, I see its alot. Sorry! Gonna ask: why do you think you are doing anything wrong? 26 lbs lost in 6 weeks is about average...you are actually doing just fine! Further, losing inches is probably more preferable than losing weight, honestly, lol. I think I may value mobility and looking great in a pair of jeans vs the number on the scale these days. While these forums are a great source of info (good and bad) and camaraderie, one of the downsides of it is that leads people to compare themselves with others. For purposes of getting info/opinions/options, its all good, but when reading about others journey's makes one feel bad about themselves or towards others, then this is not helpful to you at all, right? I don't really have an easy solution to this issue, as it is ALWAYS around, but I am in a mood this morning and feel like I need to put it out there. I read too many posts about people feeling bad these days. Try to be kind to yourself no matter what anyone else is doing. I know, I know, its easy to say.... With that said, to your main question: So....for info purposes, I am posting some screenshots of what a 500-600 cal per day looked like for me. Here are 7 consecutive days of food logs when I was about 6.5 months post-op. I also want to say that throughout weight loss phase, I probably ate on the lower end of the range of average calories eaten based on what I have read on forums. I also want to say that I did not feel like I was starving at any point. The amount of food that I was taking in was enough for ME. I had tones of energy, all my labs came back with no issue, and I was never struggling mentally with wanting to eat more. I say this because not everyone would be as comfortable as I was at this calorie level (though there are those that are), and if you are not comfy, then by all means, don't do it. Eat at a deficit level that you can handle.

Oh yes, we’re right along with each other. This coming Tuesday will make 6 weeks for me. Today makes day 7 for me (2 light days and 5 heavy days and counting 🙁). Hoping it goes off soon. I usually weigh once a week on Tuesday’s, but if it hasn’t gone off by this Tuesday, I’ll hold off on weighing. I sure hope my loss will be substantial when it goes off. This has certainly put a damper on things. Did you have any cravings during your period? I’m glad you lost the water weight when your period went off. It does give me hope.

Ok, so I've technically been in maintenance for 1.5 years now. Not counting the first 2 months immediately after stopping weight loss phase (when I lost 12 lbs trying to find my sweet spot), I have basically maintained my current weight +/- 5 lbs the entire time. I have loosened the reins quite a bit since weight loss days. Fruit: I am not a big fruit eater, but if presented with something that looks good, I'll eat it. I don't have any off limit fruits, but I don't eat much in the first place anyway...mostly just as a topping on a salad. I hate fruit juice. Oh, but I LOOOOVE avocados, which I probably have 1-2 times a week (again, mostly as a topping on a salad) Vegetables: I eat all sorts of veggies all the time/every day...with the exception of potatoes. Refined Sugar: I long ago opened the floodgates to sugar consumption. Dessert is a legitimate food group for me. Other processed carbs: I still stay away from rice, pasta, and bread. HOWEVER, I recently discovered the joy of homemade bread making, and have actually had maybe the equivalent of 2 slices of bread this past week or so. Since it was so delicious, I'm going to keep eating it. I still log my food, but I no longer put as much concern on the type of calorie I consume (to a certain extent), I mostly really only pay attention to my total calories now. So if I eat a cookie or a carrot or some of the ridiculously yummy homemade bread, so long as I stay under 1800 cals (more if I'm exercising more), then it's all good. I will say though, that I gained and lost 6 lbs TWICE this year...and when I was trying to lose, I did pay attention to the type of calorie. Once I reached my happy place again, I am back to just monitoring total calories.

weird hormone things seem to be fairly common in the first few weeks or months after WLS. I didn't deal with it since I was post-menopausal when I had surgery, but we hear about this a lot here on BP. It's supposedly due to excess estrogen - estrogen is stored in fat cells, and it's released when you're experiencing rapid weight loss. It'll normalize when the weight loss slows down.

I’m right about where you are! This coming Wednesday will be 6wks. My first period post surgery just ended today. Gained 1.5 the week prior and stalled for 10 days. Pre surgery my period was like clock work spanning 3 days.... this time was 9 days and very heavy flow. But on the upside, was down 4.2 this morning (last weigh in was Wednesday the 23rd). So don’t fret! I bet you’ll have a substantial loss when all is said and done 🙂

It's hard to predict how you'll feel after surgery. Some people have easier recoveries than others. I went back to work 11 days after my surgery, but I could have gone back a week earlier and been ok (but I have a desk job and don't have much personal interaction with others, so I don't have to be "on" all the time). I felt kind of crappy for the first few days after surgery, but by 5 days after surgery, I felt pretty normal. The day I went back to work, I felt great. I think the biggest challenge with returning to work is getting all of your fluids and protein. It's basically a full-time job for the first week or so. It might be challenging for you as a teacher to pay enough attention to your fluids and protein while you are watching/interacting with the kids (I don't know what grade you teach, which could affect how closely you need to watch them). As for feeling weak or tired due to low calorie intake, everyone is different, but the amazing thing to me about surgery is that I have a very low calorie intake but do not feel any of those hunger symptoms. I'm 5.5 months out now and I feel great with plenty of energy even though I am averaging less than 600 calories per day. Before surgery, going even a single day under 600 calories would make me feel weak, light-headed, and ravenously hungry. The safest bet is to wait until summer when you have plenty of time to recover You would probably be ok doing it on spring break, but you might as well take advantage of the time you'll have in the summer so you don't feel pressured to return to work before you're ready. I know that once you decide to have the surgery, you are anxious to get it done ASAP. Right now, waiting 5 or 6 months may feel like an eternity, but by the time you get to surgery day, it will feel like the time flew by. Also, you say you are in the beginning stages of the whole process. I'm not sure how far you've gotten, but you may not be able to get through the whole process by spring break, anyway. Do you know your insurance company's requirements for surgery approval? Many insurance companies make you go through 3 or 6 months (or more) of medically-supervised weight loss before they'll approve the surgery. Your surgeon may have additional testing requirements that you'll need to complete, like an upper GI test, psychological evaluation, nutrition classes, etc., and that could all take a few months.

wow what a goal to achieve post weight loss. I wish I had a goal like that. Mine is just to overcome my crippling social anxiety lol.

Thank you, this is so reassurring. Keep up the great work on you weight loss journey.

all I can say is, I spent decades (I'm in my 60s) gaining and losing the same 50 lbs until I admitted to myself that I couldn't do it on my own. At the time I had 200 lbs to lose, and I couldn't even keep 50 off for more than a few months. And I'm not an anomaly - only 5% of people are able to do it on their own. Weight loss surgery doesn't guarantee that you'll take your excess weight off - and keep it off - but it greatly increases your chances. I know a lot of people who've never had a weight problem think it's so easy - we just have to eat less and move more - but unfortunately, it doesn't usually work that way. I'm so glad I had surgery and would do it again in a heartbeat. My only regret is that I didn't have it done years ago.

My bypass is TOMORROW...and I'm petrified! Happy new year to everyone. Let 2021 will be the year of good health and lots of weight loss. 🙂

So as the new year hits, again weight loss is on the list of resolutions. I am taking a more serious look at surgeries, especially the sleeve. Currently 33 years old, weighing in about 250 lbs, BMI hovering around 35 at the moment. Been heavy for most of my adolescent and adult life. My heaviest was 280 and I decided to get serious in the spring of 2013, lost 95 lbs over the course of 2 years and change using weight watchers and biking. Fast forward 5+ years from then, and I've gained back a big chunk. Since then, I've taken a promotion which means less physical demand, more office work, driving around for field inspections, and losing my bicycle commute to work. Add to that a wife, 1-year-old and another on the way, and it's not a great recipe for weight loss. I have a family history of heart disease and personally have controlled hypertension on a small dose of a calcium channel blocker. My cholesterol was borderline but did improve following a recent low-carb diet. Managed to lose 12 lbs in a month doing low-carb and Intermittent Fasting, but then got quarantined for a Covid exposure at work (luckily negative), plus stresses of home life and that loss is pretty much gone. My oldest brother had successful sleeve surgery around 2 years ago after years of being way bigger. I'm considering it, but the wife isn't quite on board yet. She still thinks that I could do it on my own, but I'm not confident in achieving and maintaining that previous weight loss just based on life circumstances. Baby #2 is due in July. I think this next 6 months is the time to make one last diet effort at major loss before taking a serious look at surgery and getting the wife to go along with it. I want to be here for my family and I'll gladly give up pizza and beer for them.

I’m home! So One major thing I found, is that I brought a lot of stuff with me that I didn’t even use. I brought my Nintendo Switch, journals, an adult coloring book...they all stayed in my tote. After the surgery I was out until about 5:30pm. At that time I was in and out of sleep until almost midnight. Finally I came to enough to be aware of the shoulder pain, left side. Then they gave me that tube you blow in. Which the right shoulder pain made it impossible to do. I can do it now but I still have a bit of abdominal pains. If you have long hair, braid it so it’s easier to stick into the cap for the OR. Don’t take anything more than a phone charger with a long cord if you will only be in for 24 or so hours (I was released after 29 hours of being there (from arrival before the appointment until I got discharged). My hospital had a lot of good movies on their TV program, and they also have cable television. The little time I did spend in my room, I put it on a movie or TV program while I “ate” and then once I was done eating I’d go for a walk around the floor. Anyway, I took a lot of stuff and I didn’t even use it. Not even my chapstick or nail clippers. If you take meds that the hospital won’t have for your stay, take the prescription bottle filled with only the amount of pills you will need that day. Since my hospital was a heart and surgical hospital, they weren’t going to have my OCD meds, so I brought the bottle with two pills in each only. If I think of anything else useful, I’ll let you guys know! Just don’t take a ton of stuff, because you’ll have to carry it back out with you. If it’s not essential, just don’t bring it. And someone recommended a pillow for the car ride—smart recommendation! We live across town from where the hospital is, and hit a lot of bumps in the road on the way home. So I had to hug that pillow tight. Ask for an extra pillow in your room, too! You might hug it when you have to cough, sneeze, etc. it will help! I didn’t have a sore throat from being intubated but I did get the excessive phlegm.

All of your points are very legitimate and actually pretty common for most of us. My PCP told me, "Look, if you COULD have done it on your own, you WOULD have done it by now." She was soooooo right. There is no shame in using surgery as a tool to change your life. Your long-term success is going to be more likely, as well. One of the strongest predictors of success is the person who says, "I AM NOT GOING BACK!" No ifs, ands, or buts. There was too much work to lose the weight, and there is no way it is coming back on. Fix that in your mind. That strong determination will keep you on the straight and narrow. The new identity issue is very real. It's called body dysmorphia. You will be confused, unable to judge your true size after weight loss, and unsure of how to relate to others, as they will be relating to you differently as well. It passes with time. But it's real and just one of the things you will work through. Your body changes faster than your mind and it takes a while for the mental part to catch up. I went on my first diet at age 12 and had surgery at age 62. That's HALF A CENTURY of overweight/obesity. I reached goal in just 7 months, so it was quite an adjustment! And it is certainly normal to be both excited and scared. This is a huge decision, but one that will change your life. I felt like I got my life back. Surgery is not for the faint hearted. It takes courage and determination, and persistence in dealing with the many road blocks - like offices losing your info, delays in approval, appeals, etc. But it is a reward worth fighting for.

Blythe Baird just came into my mind: I've never found this to me more true than when looking at the WLS community. It doesn't matter how bad the relationship with food still is, even if it got worse. It doesn't matter when patients are starving themselves. It doesn't matter when patients overexercise. It doesn't matter when patients develop an intense fear of eating "bad foods". All of this doesn't matter to the patient all too often (and sometimes even not to the treatment teams as it seems) - as long as there is weight loss and finally that magical line to a normal BMI is crossed. The worst are the "motivational posts" when someone makes a vow to "get back on track" (usually with some kind of starvation or semi-starvation diet): YOU GO, GIRL!! YOU GOT THIS!!! YOU'RE GOING TO NAIL THIS!!! Going to get and nail exactly what? Getting onto the next dieting-bingeing-merry-go-round?? Getting deeper into disordered eating??

Yeah, I agree that it's well-intentioned but not helpful while you're still in weight-loss mode.

Welcome! This forum is so helpful because most people in our lives don't understand what we have gone through living with obesity, or what we go through before, during, and after the surgery, but everyone on this forum is in some stage of that process. I have chosen not to tell anyone other than medical professionals about my surgery. I am a private person in general, and I have heard too many ignorant, judgmental comments about people who have had weight loss surgery. Yes, a lot of people think surgery is the easy way out and that you're inferior if you can't lose weight without it, but those people are ignorant. WLS is not easy -- you are making permanent changes to your body and major changes to your lifestyle. WLS is proven to be the most effective treatment for obesity, and the only treatment with more than a 5% success rate for long-term weight loss. I think there should be no shame in getting the most effective treatment available. Unfortunately, people who have never had to struggle with their weight don't understand what it's like and want to feel superior by being able to manage their weight without surgery, but that is their problem, not yours. I live in fear every day of regaining the weight. I would be devastated to go through all of this only to end up back where I started. WLS is pretty much the last resort, so I feel like this is my one shot and I can't waste it. I have paid a lot of attention to the people who are several years out and I'm trying to learn from the people who have kept the weight off as well as the people who have experienced regain. It seems that the keys for the people who have kept the weight off are (1) eat healthier foods, not just smaller quantities of the foods you used to eat, and (2) monitor your weight regularly and take action promptly if you see regain (don't wait until you've gained back 50 pounds). I definitely get the weight as part of your identity, because it's been mine for decades. But I think you will find that the change is going to be overwhelmingly positive when your weight no longer limits everything you do.

I had a sleeve in 2014 and lost 56 pounds, but regained more than half of it over 6 years. My bypass was done to eliminate my GERD, but obviously weight loss has occurred. My surgeon told me not to expect a huge weight loss. I'm 9 weeks postop today and I've lost 30 lbs. since surgery. Now I'm just trying to change my relationship with food so I can reach my healthy weight (10 more pounds to lose) and KEEP IT THERE!!!! I'm currently at the lowest weight I got to after VSG, so I'm feeling hopeful that I can reach my goal this time!

You’re not alone. We all have our stories to tell, our emotional baggage we’ve worked through on this journey. Would you feel shame if you bought yourself a gym membership or signed up for a weight loss program? The surgery is a tool too. And just like a gym membership or weight loss program if you don’t use it & take advantage of it, nothing will change & you won’t be successful. Unfortunately, some may think it’s an easy out - it’s soooo not. Some may be critical. Some may be unsupportive & some may attempt to sabotage you. But more will be supportive, encouraging & so happy for you. You can always chose who you tell, who you don’t & how much you share. Don’t fear your failing when you’ve hardly begun. Don’t sabotage yourself - if you expect to fail you likely will. We don’t know what will happen if the future and sometimes life just throws us massive curve balls. Yes, some do gain weight but some work hard to lose it again. But a lot are very successful. It’s really up to you, your motivation & determination to stay the course long term. Even after you’ve reached goal, continue to monitor your weight & keep to the changes you’ve adopted to lose the weight. (Mind you I’m only 19.5 months out so I have a long way to go.) Discovering who you are in your slim body is part of the head work we all do. Even really seeing yourself in your much smaller body can be a challenge. Your interests & hobbies may change. You may try things you never thought you would. Your confidence will increase (which may be a challenge for some friends). You may make changes in your friendship circles - welcome new friends or say farewell to old ones. The discoveries can be very exciting. Good luck with your surgery. You can do this & it’s going to be amazing.

Oh yeah stalls. They’ll get you one way or another. You’ve done so well so far. Let your body have a break to catch up to the changes. Remember the stall may last one to three weeks and you may experience it again. (I had two.) Don’t get caught up in the 30+lb a month loses people on my 600lb life lose. They were 2 & 3 times your weight when they started. Remember, the more you have to lose the more you lose at the beginning, & your weight loss rate will slow as you get closer to your goal. Slow & steady wins the race. As long as your weight loss trend is heading downwards you’re golden.

Hi everyone! I realize I never updated this post. I did the in-home sleep study (basically wore a machine to sleep). When I went to follow up with the doctor, he said it was what he would consider negative for sleep apnea. But, on paper, it was borderline; like an extremely mild case of sleep apnea. That was all I needed to hear! I faxed that report to the surgeon, and apparently it was enough for the insurance to approve me ! My surgery is coming up on January 14!! There were a few obstacles, and I did get discouraged a few times. The coordinator at the surgeon’s office was giving me a hard time about accepting the previous weights from the primary doctor, but I was persistent. I also kept praying that if it was meant to happen, it would - And now it’s happening! If it were not for those first 3 weights, I would have had to wait at least another 3 months. My insurance requires 6 months of a supervised weight loss program. In summary, my insurance DID approve it at a BMI of 38 and 1 comordbidity. Don’t give up if you run into challenges with the insurance and things like that. Keep pushing and don’t be discouraged. Good luck to everyone!

Plant based? As in you don't do meat? And no eggs? Hmmmm. Tofu is protein, right? Bone broth too meaty/non-vegan? You've stumped me. Nothing comes to mind. For the weight loss phase post-op or the soft foods phase post-op? I found a helpful article for you. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321474#15-best-vegan-proteins

So good!! breakfast I have had egg whites with spinach. I put it in my blender. It’s green eggs!! But it’s good! lunch I have had tuna with low fat mayo with cucumber slices. Or chicken salad. dinner is usually chicken with cooked veg of some sort....like a stir fry or fajita like. snacks I also have almonds or fat free plain Greek yogurt with half an apple or half banana but I think I have to give up fruit for a bit...I’m stalling again! need to push through to get the weight loss moving again!!